Apple Releases iOS 26 Beta 2: Here’s What’s New and How to Get It

Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of iOS 26 (review), following its WWDC 2025 preview last month. While this isn’t the kind of release that introduces headline-grabbing features, it does show Apple doubling down on design consistency, accessibility improvements, and some small—but thoughtful—quality-of-life changes.

For developers testing the update (and those bold enough to sideload it early), here’s what’s changed in Beta 2 and what to expect moving forward.

Visual Adjustments: From Control Centre to Safari

One of the more noticeable changes in iOS 26 Beta 2 is the redesigned Control Centre. It now features a more refined blur effect, which blends more cleanly with the overall Liquid Glass aesthetic introduced in the first beta. The effect may seem subtle, but it enhances contrast and makes it easier to distinguish background layers — especially if you use light wallpapers.

The “Reduce Transparency” toggle in the Accessibility section has also been tweaked. When enabled, it now lowers the interface opacity more aggressively, improving readability for users with visual impairments or simply those who prefer a more solid UI.

In Safari, Apple has quietly adjusted the placement of the New Tab button. It now sits in the lower-left corner of the screen — a return to a more familiar layout seen in earlier iOS versions. Additionally, the compact tab bar now includes both forward and back navigation buttons, which had been missing in some earlier builds.

App Store, Wallet, and Siri See Functional Updates

One of the more practical changes lies in the App Store. Apple has introduced a new “Accessibility” section for product pages, allowing developers to highlight inclusive features. While this won’t change how apps function, it gives users better insight into whether an app supports features like VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, or Switch Control.

The Wallet app has added a basic order tracking tool that can parse shipping details from emails — including those not linked to Apple Pay purchases. Siri plays a part here too, scanning your inbox for receipts and compiling them into a single, trackable list.

Subtle Changes You Might Miss — But Shouldn’t

Several small but noticeable tweaks have also made it into Beta 2:

• A new ringtone called “Alt 1” under the Reflection category
• A rename of Live Captions to “Save Call Transcripts”, which now plays a tone to alert call participants
• A revised Passkey sign-in interface with cleaner layout
• Lock screen widget placement has been adjusted, likely in preparation for more customization options in the public beta
• A clearer description of Low Power Mode, especially when used alongside the Apple Music Live Radio widget

How to Get iOS 26 Beta 2

If you're a registered Apple developer, you can install iOS 26 Beta 2 right now. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. Tap on Beta Updates.
4. Select iOS 26 Developer Beta from the available options.
5. Download and install the update as you normally would.

Important notes:

• Back up your device before installing the beta. These early builds can sometimes cause issues, especially with third-party apps.
• The public beta is expected in July, with the final release rolling out alongside the iPhone 17 in September.
• You’ll need to be part of Apple’s Developer Program to access this beta right now. If not, it's better to wait for the public beta version.